Gary Anderson dumped out of World Championship on his birthday as Ally Pally left silent

Gary Anderson was well off the pace in his opening World Darts Championship match as he was dumped out of the tournament on his 54th birthday by Jeffrey de Graaf. The Flying Scotsman failed to win a single set as he whimpered to a 3-0 defeat.

Anderson had been one of the favourites behind Luke Littler and Luke Humphries coming into the tournament after impressing at the oche throughout the year.

He entered the event with the best average over the last 12 months but was sent packing by his Swedish opponent after a underwhelming display at Alexandra Palace.

De Graaf set the tone for the match as he threw 180 with his first trip to the oche. And he closed out the opening set after Anderson had missed five attempts at doubles across four legs.

Anderson was then broken in the first leg of the second set as it became clear that the two-time champion was in trouble. And the Scot then made a mess of the second leg to allow his opponent to clinch it. He continued to miss his attempts at doubles as De Graaf wrapped up the second set.

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